SATA Air Azores review - by E Silva

16 April 2008  Customer Trip Rating :

I've flown recently from Horta to Ponta Delgada and Terceira. All flights were on time. The onboard service is great but ground service is terrible. The check in service is slow, staff in Ponta Delgada are the rudest ever.

SATA Air Azores review - by A Isaacman

11 April 2008  Customer Trip Rating :

Toronto - Faro round trip for third time. Even though 2-4-2 seating, it was cramped. Meals can be good or terrible (not heated properly) - it seems to depend on cabin crew. The snack of a meal bar is a joke - alternative seems to be a ham and cheese sandwich. The return flight this year was through Porto. SATA justs dumps you there for 1 hour or so.

SATA Air Azores review - by Fred Allin

7 March 2008  Customer Trip Rating : n/a

Feb 16 to Faro was just fine, attendants and service very good, however, the return flight was so frustrating. First of all we were delayed in Faro then supposedly on to Porto - but on flight we discovered we were actually going to Lisbon for technical problems. We were bus shuffled to 2 airports, no explanation and 4 more hours of waiting. By then, many of the passengers ( several seniors with walking problems) had to endure all the walking and security checks again and again. The ground staff did not know what to do with all the passengers and no apology was ever offered. We had gone over the breakfast and lunch times, at least a food voucher could have been offered. We eventually flew to Porto and of course another wait was part of the trip. The ground staff again were not helpful at all. We would love to return to Algarve and but will hesitate to use SATA.

SATA Air Azores review - by C Dutra

22 January 2008  Customer Trip Rating : n/a

I have flown Sata many, many times in the past both to Terceira and Ponta Delgada. The service varies. Sometime very good, other times not. Much depends on the crew. My biggest problem with Sata, as well as other charter airlines is the fact that they charge you an obscene amount of money to fly a destination in the summer and pack you into an airplane that is worse than an animal crate. The seating is tight cramped and extremely uncomfortable. I believe that for the money we pay them, we deserve better than this for a 5 hour flight. They only get away with it because there is no competition between carriers for these routes.

SATA Air Azores review - by M Preston
29 July 2007

Reading some of these comments makes me feel maybe we were lucky, as our flights LIS-PDL and PDL-HOR were satisfactory. LIS-PDL was on a new and very clean Airbus and the crew were pleasant. The flight was punctual - what more can one ask? PDL-HOR flight was subject to a late schedule change (2.30 hours later) 21 hours before departure, and the booking agency (Opodo) sent me an email 2 hours before the departure time. Not very smart. This caused me considerable inconvenience and some expense and they have so far refused to compensate me for this. SATA notified the change to Opodo in the correct way so I blame Opodo for not informing by phone, as they had my cellphone number, but also to some degree SATA for making a short notice change. SATA offered us a voucher for a refreshment, valid for a plain cheese sandwich and a drink - not even a meat sandwich. A bit stingy

SATA Air Azores review - by Andrew Taylor
27 June 2007

LGW-PDLreturn. Flights very punctual, food as good as I have had for a while. Crew very professional. All that let down the SATA International experience was ground handling at LGW on the inbound leg. No staff on hand at the gate when the aircraft arrived, requiring a few minutes hold before going on to stand - then an hour's wait for bags. When will UK handling agents staff adequately, and start putting passenger / airline service ahead of profit?

SATA Air Azores review - by Martine Brangan
24 May 2007

Inaugural flight Dublin to Ponta Delgada. No complaints, we were served soft drinks, a decent meal, with extra helpings of bread rolls and coffee. Crew pleasant. I was travelling with 87 year old mother who uses wheelchair and she got excellent service on arrival to Ponta Delgada. It was the easiest travel experience imaginable for both of us in our situation.

SATA Air Azores review - by Ann Jensen
1 March 2007

Lisbon-Funchal February 2007. Plane 1hr delayed out of Lisbon. Did not have my pre-ordered vegetarian meal onboard. Got seated in front of loud and annoying children. SATA left my suitcase in Lisbon, which I received after two long days into my break in Funchal. Unpleasant ground crew in Funchal Lost and Found Office, won't be reimbursed for anything. Were supposed to fly TAP Portugal.

SATA Air Azores review - by Orin Sussman
15 October 2006

Recently returning to Logan Airport, Boston, USA from Ponta Delgada via Lisbon Airport. The food was as good as I have experienced with other airlines. Flight attendants were doing their job in an orderly fashion. My only complaint was one of the aircraft (Airbus 310) with a three- three seating combination, the space between the seat in front of me and my seat was cramped. It was more cramped for my wife, who is six feet tall, had to sit side saddle in the seat so her kneecaps wouldn't be hitting the back of the seat in front of her. However we did ride another Airbus 310 on the same trip with a two-four-two seat combination which was more comfortable. All-in-all SATA Airlines gets my approval.

SATA Air Azores review - by G Legg
5 October 2006

LGW PDL return 2006 business class. My wife and I travelled for the second time on this flight, and while its not up to BA standard, it is very good. Food is excellent, service on board will beat most of its rivals - and where would you get escorted to the plane from the lounge, except Ponta Delgarda. We will certainly travel to the Azores again with this airline

SATA Air Azores review - by Tony Wiggins
12 August 2006

Gatwick-Porta Delgada return early June 2006. Typical economy class treatment. Something one has to accept. We also travelled Faial to Porta Delgada on an inter island ATP flight. Left 10 minutes before scheduled departure. Shortly after take off pilot turned right over the island of Pico and gave passengers seated on the starboard side a spectacular view of the Pico volcano. Shortly after passing the coast of Pico a 180° turn was taken so that those on the port side enjoyed the view. Then the pilot resumed the direct route to Porta Delgado. Like flying 50 years ago!

SATA Air Azores review - by John Coulson
30 July 2006

Amsterdam - Ponta Delgado economy return. We were a bit apprehensive about flying SATA having read the comments on the internet but were pleasantly surprised. The checkin was pleasant and efficient at both ends and the in-flight service perfectly acceptable. The food served in-flight was amongst the best I tasted when flying economy, and the seats gave me enough room even though I am over 6ft. All in all the experience was better than I expected and I would be happy to fly SATA again.

SATA Air Azores review - by Debbie Taylor
14 July 2006

My partner and I travelled to and from Funchal, Madeira (Uk airport East Midlands) and found SATA to be efficient and more than adequate. I feel, looking at previous comments that they have taken note of the earlier remarks and noticably improved their service. The outgoing flight was a little late leaving, but certainly not to the point of being troublesome and the return flight was spot on time. The food was acceptable - no better or worse than any airline food. During our stay in Funchal we found the Madeirans to be helpful, efficient and attentive to detail, but not over friendly, so I feel that the airline staff were much the same - not every nation can be jolly and to be honest I find their approach a great deal more sincere than the false "have a nice day" type attitude of other nations. We would not hesitate to fly with SATA on another occasion.

SATA Air Azores review - by P Maslen
11 July 2006

Exeter-Funchal return. Very good service and timekeeping. Staff pretty attentive. Food wasn't too spectacular but easily on par with BA or any other mainstream scheduled airline. Airbus A320 was clean and tidy except for U/S toilet on both legs. Would fly with them again with no hesitation.

SATA Air Azores review - by Nick Mason
8 July 2006

Travelled with SATA from Gatwick in May. Excellent airline, easy check in, nice food and good choice of drinks on board. Staff on plane very helpful and friendly. Flew back Business Class which is highly recommended for seat comfort and fantastic, attentive service.

SATA Air Azores review - by Jaime Henriques
3 June 2006

Boston to Flores, via Ponta Delgada. Flights were on time, the food was good, aircraft clean, and service excellent. The best deal in the air is the $170 upgrade to business class - just a bit more than coach, and well worth it.

SATA Air Azores review - by Ford Dixon
1 April 2006

My wife and I recently flew with SATA from Toronto to Madeira with connections in Ponta del Gada. We are both walking handicapped and required wheelchair service. Contrary to some other comments below we found the service extremely good- based on our experience with other airlines in Europe, albeit we did travel Executive from Toronto to Ponta Del Gada. The airline service was much better than when we last used it two years ago. Our bookings via the internet were handled efficiently and special seating with extra leg room was provided on the Azores - Madeira leg. A handicap lift was waiting to move us in Ponta del Gada. I must admit the wheelchairs in the Ponta del Gada airport were less than ideal but, with this improvement suggestion made to the airline, we are hopeful that on our next trip these will be improved. The staff, both air and ground were very helpful. The food supplied on both legs was very good. We were courtiously treated and addressed in English at every point.

SATA Air Azores review - by Carolyn Longworth
9 March 2006

Boston to Azores and back first week of March 2006. No lines, very friendly and helpful, good food, with flight attendants going around with seconds on bread and drinks. Best thing was seeing the attendants going from seat to seat asking if people needed help filling in immigration and customs cards.

SATA Air Azores review - by Steve Assiter
28 February 2006

We were very pleasantly surprised at the diligence and professionalism that the staff carried out their duties. They were very helpful and courteous. The legroom provided made the journey comfortable. The food was tasty and ample for the short duration of the flight. We will most certainly travel with them again.

SATA Air Azores review - by Joe Mendonca
3 February 2006

I feel proud to have the Azorean colors on an airline but am truly upset with the service on board. The airport service in Ponta Delgada and Horta are bad, SATA employees seem like they are very sad and when you ask them a question they answer back to you rudely. The service at Terceira airport is the worst - employees are rude and treat you like trash. Flying Boston to Ponta Delgada, the staff was rude, seats were so tight you felt like sardines. When flying Ponta Delgada to Lisbon the aisles between seats were wide enough and the staff more cheerful and helpful. The food is good, much better than on US airlines.

SATA Air Azores review - by Janet Melo
5 January 2006

My trip to Ponta Delgada with this airline was appalling. Staff are badly trained and unprofessional. Service both on the ground, and in the air is just terrible. The food is inedible and there was no entertainment - all of this and the prices are very high, probably the highest in Europe. The comments of others who have given the thumbs down to this airline are spot on. This airline should be stripped of its star ratings as it does not deserve applause. If there was another airline to fly to Ponta Delgada I would take it, however there is no competition. I would advise everyone to think twice before flying SATA.

SATA Air Azores review - by M Vanderhorst
30 November 2005

I can safely say the flight from Toronto to the Azores was the worst - delayed 4 hours, the crew appeared unorganized and did not disguise the fact they were put out by simple requests from the passengers. Several passengers were drunk, and it appears that the wine continues to be served even though these passengers are potential risks to the safety of the entire plane. I clearly stated that I did not understand or speak Portuguese, but they continued to address me in their native tongue.

SATA Air Azores review - by Gorete Moniz
13 September 2005

SATA should stand for Stay At The Airport, there are always delays and the staff could not care less whether you have a good experience with them or not. This airline is always expensive. I travel with them from Lisbon to Ponta Delgada and from Ponta Delgada to Toronto on a regular basis, absolutely terrible considering how expensive they are, and the worst airline for the money I have experienced. All of the comments about rude staff with tunnel vision are spot on. The food is awful and the portions small. On many occasions the staff stand around talking to each other ignoring the paying passengers. If a local politician is flying you are delayed for ages whilst these so called VIP's (who are unknown apart from in the Azores and treat others around them with an arrogant contempt) are given red carpet treatment at the expense of everyone else??? Very strange, could this be because these politicians assist in preventing competition on the routes to and from the Azores - sorry for being so negative and cynical. In all I would strip this airline of its 3 star rating - how on earth did it get those stars as they definately do not deserve them. Does SATA ever read these comments?? I would imagine not.

SATA Air Azores review - by David Linhares
9 September 2005

I travel often from London to Lisbon connecting with SATA on the Lisbon to Ponta Delgada (Azores) route. The staff tend to be unhelpful and more interested in their appearance and talking to each other than serving the customers. As a previous commentator on this feedback site has pointed out, the staff will reply to everyone in English who are not noticeably Portuguese nationals even when they speak perfect Portuguese which is not only bizarre but also contemptable and rude and as an Azorean myself I find very strange. The food is awful and the prices are very high due to no competition on the route. If you do make a complaint you will be ignored as complaints seem to be of no consequence. This airline also serves you badly on the ground but occasionally you may see a smile - if you are lucky. In my view all of the previous negative views about this airline are well founded and hopefully someday there will be a real competitor on this route, until then as the airlines expects - put up with it!

SATA Air Azores review - by Pat Tierney
22 August 2005

I use SATA regularly from Lisbon to Ponta Delgada connecting from TAP Air Portugal at Lisbon. This airline has no competition on the route (they say TAP but this is on a code share) and the fares are controlled. No competition means little effort. The staff generally look good but it is evident that they have little understanding of the requirements and demands of those from the outside world (outside the Azores that is). Do not think of complaining - very bad idea, as this will not win you favours with the staff who seem to take complaints quite personally, however constructive. If you speak to the staff in perfect Portuguese they will speak back to you in English??. Glitsy brochures and commentary on excellent customer service are a charade to what you can expect. The food consists of a roll with cheese and ham so do not expect much. Time keeping is appalling and if you do have problems expect NO help. One of Europe's most expensive airlines.

SATA Air Azores review - by Cynthia Miller
3 July 2005

I recently had my first flights with SATA, from Providence to Ponta Delgada, a round-trip interisland flight, and then back from PDL back to Boston. If I ever want to return to the Azores, my SATA experience will make me think twice. The flight to PDL was fine, if a bit disorganized. The flight back to Boston was a nightmare -- the worst flight I've ever had. First, the flight delayed nearly 5 hours (from 5:45 to 10:30 p.m.), with no offer of a dinner voucher and generally uninformed and unhelpful desk staff. Then, during the entire flight, three little girls were allowed to run rampant throughout the cabin -- racing and jumping through the aisles, trampling on other passengers, running in and out of the lavatory all at once, flicking overhead lights on and off, slamming tray tables up and down, etc.. Neither their mother (who all of us nearby continually looked at for help) nor the cabin crew, ever attempted to control these children! Whatever happened to "remain in your seats with your seatbelts fastened"? These children were a nuisance and a hazard, and the crew had NO control of the cabin. After this behaviour, the fact that the food was lousy, and the cabin crew completely inattentive barely seems to matter. All the passengers around me agreed that this was the worst flight they'd ever been on. This would be enough to keep me away from the beautiful Azores, without question.

SATA Air Azores review - by George Baginski

7 June 2005

On a recent flight from Faro to Toronto, I was shocked with the fact that passengers were permitted to enter the cockpit multiple times during the flight (as SATA stated, after a 2-month delay in responding, that this was 'family' of the crew. It wasn't until I complained to the Canadian Transportation authorities about this violation of flight safety that they responded, claiming they followed all regulations (certainly not Canadian regulations). Similarly, a number of 'family' members were upgraded to Business Class, allowing the flight attendant to focus entirely on a child in the "family" rather than the paying passengers. 4 hour delays appear to be not uncommon, as this happened on our departure, the day before, and the week before. At all cost, fly another airline !!

SATA Air Azores Int'l - by P Sofia

5 November 2004

I've flown SATA International for the past 4 years to the Acores Islands and have used their inter- islands service. Their international service is one of the best I've seen so far , from being on time to on board service. Their inter-islands can improve - when it comes to helping the passengers that have arrived on international flights - I've arrived on a flight at 6:30am and only left to Terceira island at 8:pm that night, where I had to stay for the night and then continue on to Sao Jorge Island the next day.

SATA Air Azores Int'l - by Klara Zemla

24 September 2004

I have flown with SATA Air Azores a few times, and have some comments: Their inter-island flights are fine, with efficient service. However, my experiences on the Lisbon-PDL flights have always been unhappy, with the staff being rude and unhelpful, especially in regards to my pre-booked and confirmed vegetarian meals requests. The feedback forms I have submitted to SATA have been ignored three times now. Does an airline only respond to positive feedback?

SATA Air Azores Int'l - by Virgilio Santos

20 September 2004

Toronto to Lisbon service was good and flight was on-time. My only problem is when attempting to collect my FF miles with SATA Club I was told that sine I did not buy the ticket direct from SATA I did not qualify to receive credit. I contacted Sata several times via email and fax but no response. I finally called them from Canada and was told that their policy is that unless you buy direct from them they do not give you FF miles. I pointed out that they have no ticket office in Toronto and that the policy was not made available on their website or ticket voucher. Post customer service is very poor. Was told a supervisor would contact me - still waiting!!

SATA Air Azores Int'l - by Francisco Alves

15 September 2004

I have flown SATA Air Azores International economy several times from BOS to PDL and have found their on-board service quite good. Food was warm, plenty of very good coffee, wine, etc. The counter service at Logan was average and at Ponta Delgada the lines can get very long. Their Lisbon service is good.